Leeds owner to block television cameras from stadium

Leeds president Massimo Cellino is attempting to prevent his side's clash with Derby on Wednesday morning being televised.

Massimo Cellino Source: Getty Images

The controversial Italian, currently in Miami, has instructed staff to deny Sky Sports' production crew entry to Elland Road for a game which is to be broadcast live on the network.

Staff from Sky Sports were denied entry to Elland Road on Monday as they arrived to set up for the match.

Cellino's stance is in response to the number of times his side have been shown on Sky Sports this season, resulting in a number of kick-off and date changes.

Leeds have been shown live on Sky Sports nine times already this season, with Tuesday's game taking them into double figures, with four of them home games.

Earlier this season Cellino said he would be capping Leeds' notoriously large away support at 2,000 in order to make the point that his club would not be taken for granted, only to reverse the decision after fan dissent.

"The League has been made aware that Sky personnel have been unable to access Elland Road today as previously arranged," a Football League spokesman said.

"We have contacted Leeds United to remind the club of its obligations to our broadcast partner and to ask them for their observations.

"As yet, we have not received a response from anyone in authority at the club, but are hopeful that the matter can be resolved swiftly once the club does engage."

Former Cagliari owner Cellino is currently waiting for an appeal date as he fights a second Football League ban for breaching its Owners' and Directors' test following a tax evasion conviction in Italy.

He will not be present at Elland Road on Tuesday and has left the enforcement of his ban with other staff.